The new space is modeled after apothecaries and boutiques in New York, Paris and other major cities in Europe and the Middle East, Ghamraoui said. It’s aimed at clients looking for “high quality skincare products, hair products, soaps, herbal medications and high potency nutritional supplements and vitamins,” along with a full-service pharmacy, he said.

Products are organic with “earth-friendly ingredients” and are not tested on animals.

“I believe the Americans deserve a better and more vibrant selection, as found in Europe and the Middle East, and some very select American cities,” Ghamraoui said. “The status quo, especially in chains, becomes old and aches my heart. I want my Ann Arbor community to have a piece of what I was exposed to growing up and interning.

“Why should my fellow Ann Arborites wait to go to major cities or board a plane to Paris to get these quality products? I wanted the residents and visitors ... to experience a unique pharmacy. We often hear a comment from a patron of the pharmacy that this is just like France.”

Ann Arbor Pharmacy is especially different, Ghamraoui said, as chain pharmacies have long wait times a “repetitive model in the back” and a front store that sells over-the-counter medicines and products such as alcohol, candy, school supplies, picture frames and more.

“Our layout is where the drop off and pick up windows are integrated and unified and the wait time is in seconds to minutes,” Ghamraoui said.

Ghamraoui’s other pharmacies are Saline Pharmacy in Saline and Little Pharmacy in Milan.